Deceptively simple in design but epically engaging, Hearthstone will be instantly accessible to players regardless of their familiarity with Warcraft or collectible card games. Whether players prefer to wield magic or arms in battle, strike from the shadows or head on—or have never given any of that much thought—they’ll be able to jump right in, create a deck, and get in on the card-slinging action.

In addition to honing their skills in practice matches against the computer and taking on their buddies via their Battle.net friends list, players can challenge each other in two competitive game modes. “Play Mode” features traditional head-to-head battles, with players facing off for a chance to increase their medal ranking and earn card packs along the way. And for a different type of challenge, players can enter “The Forge,” where they start each match by building a deck from a new set of cards, and then use that deck to duel other Forge participants. Aside from winning new cards, players will be able to round out their collections by purchasing new card packs or disenchanting some of their existing cards to craft the ones they’re missing.

With hundreds of cards to choose from, featuring a wide range of colorful Warcraft spells, weapons, and characters, players will have limitless possibilities for developing and fine-tuning their deck-building strategies.

Patch 25.6, launching today, sets the stage for Hearthstone’s next expansion: Festival of Legends!

The patch also brings Battlegrounds Buddies back with an updated system, new friends, and more. So grab your Buddy and your pre-purchase bundle, the show is about to begin!

Hearthstone’s next expansion, Festival of Legends, is coming this April! Azeroth’s greatest musician, E.T.C., is putting together a massive music festival, featuring the best artists in 11 different musical genres—each with its own Legendary musician minion and song spell. Grab your gear and prepare for the opening act, it’s almost time for the Festival of Legends!

Elite Tauren Chieftain (E.T.C.) is gathering the greatest musicians from all over Azeroth to put on the biggest music festival in history. From rock to hip-hop, and from metal to pop, every class is putting on a show. Start tuning your instruments and working on your harmonies, the next act is the Festival of Legends!

Festival of Legends will launch worldwide this April, with 145 new cards! You can find the full Festival of Legends reveal schedule, and all cards that have already been revealed, by visiting the official Card Library. Check back frequently so you don’t miss a beat—the page will be updated with new cards as they’re revealed!

New Keyword: Finale

Cards with Finale get special bonuses if playing them spends all your remaining mana. Every great musician knows to close each show with a bang for maximum effect. Plan out your turns like a setlist and end on your grand Finale!

Legendary Musicians and Songs

Every class is getting a Legendary minion card that is the class’s star musician, performing at the Festival of Legends. Each class will also get a Legendary spell card, representing their musician’s most popular song. Play your favorite tune and become a musical icon!

New Class Keyword: Overheal

Priest is getting a new evergreen addition to their class identity this year, starting in the Festival of Legends and Core sets! Minions with Overheal trigger a special effect when they are healed above their max. Here, the Priest Legendary musician, Heartbreaker Hedanis, shows off his technique with this class-specific keyword.

Instrument Weapons

Whether they rock the axe or string the bow, every class gets a special musical instrument weapon card! Some of these weapons have Deathrattle effects that improve while the weapon’s in play. Power them up and finish on a high note!

Harmonic Spells

Harmonic spells swap between Harmonic and Dissonant modes each turn they’re in your hand. Will you keep the tempo or play to your own beat? Follow the rhythm to maximize their impact!

Stand-Out Soloists

Everybody loves a good solo. Soloists are minions that get special effects when you control no other minions. Clear the stage and let them shine in the spotlight!

E.T.C., Band Manager Login Reward Available Now!

We're putting together a band! Log in to Hearthstone to set the stage for the Festival of Legends with your complimentary E.T.C., Band Manager Legendary card!* Every good band needs a band manager. E.T.C. lets you choose your best three-piece ensemble while building your deck. When the manager calls, they answer! Open tryouts start now. What’s making the cut in your band?

* Limited one per account. Certain cards are banned from being added to E.T.C., Band Manager’s Band. After Patch 26.6, E.T.C., Band Manager will be granted upon opening your first Festival of Legends pack, instead of logging in.

Flashy New Signature Cards

Signature cards are being turned up to 11 in Festival of Legends! The Festival of Legends Signature cards will feature new Golden-style animations, vibrant full-color art, and thinner frames that show off more of the special alternate art. Additionally, the card text is now out of the way and shown through a tooltip when you hover over the card, so the art is front and center, getting the spotlight. Festival of Legends Signature cards will be obtainable through Festival of Legends Packs, Festival of Legends Golden Packs, and special means like events and the Rewards Track.*

Starting with Patch 26.0, all Signature cards (even those from March of the Lich King) will also follow normal duplicate protection and be able to be disenchanted (but not crafted—we want them to still feel extra rare and special). Look for more details on the new and improved Signature cards in the 26.0 Patch Notes.

* For full odds and disclosure rates, see the disclosure site.

Pre-Purchase Festival of Legends

The Festival of Legends Mega Bundle includes 80 Festival of Legends card packs, 10 Golden Festival of Legends card packs, two Golden Festival of Legends Legendary cards, and the Hedanis Priest Hero Skin and Card Back!

The Festival of Legends Bundle includes 60 Festival of Legends card packs, two Festival of Legends Legendary cards, and the Hedanis Priest Hero Skin Card Back!

Correction: the Hedanis card back is included in this bundle, not the Hedanis hero skin.

PRE-PURCHASE bundles are only available until the launch of Festival of Legends. Get them early so you don’t miss the opening act!

Hearthstone is available for Android, iOS and PC.